But Coquelin is now fit to start against Bulgarian club Ludogorets in the Champions League on Wednesday with Santi Cazorla likely to be rested.

He said: “When you know you make this kind of tackle, I was a bit scared because it was a similar tackle to the one that injured me against West Brom last season.

“But I could run back on to the pitch, albeit not for long. The scan was good news. It took me a couple of weeks to come back to full fitness, but I feel good.”

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Asked about the fierce competition for midfield places, Coquelin added: “Let's not forget we are Arsenal FC. There's always going to be great quality in the squad, so you have to be ready for the fight.

"It improves my game, in training and in games. It can only improve the squad.”

Wenger admits Arsenal's late wobble in Saturday's 3-2 win over Swansea, which included a red card for Xhaka, proves they cannot switch off against the unsung Ludogorets.

Wenger, whose side host Middlesbrough on Saturday, said: “We play three home games in a week and are favourites in all three, expected to win them, but we learned against Swansea that as soon as you ease off you are in trouble.

"The difference between the teams is very small. Ludogorets have good experience in the Champions League and were very good (in the 3-1 defeat) against Paris St Germain.

“The fixtures are only as kind as you play. What looks like a kind fixture can be very difficult if you don't prepare mentally. We are an ambitious team and squad. We have to show that by turning up in every single game.”